Zenith Thaler

Zenith Thaler (nee Raicer) passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, after a brief illness. She was 90. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Temple Beth El Meekor Chayim, 338 Walnut Ave., Cranford, N.J. 07016. Interment will be at Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, N.J. Arrangements are by Ross' Shalom Chapels, 415 Morris Ave., Springfield, N.J. 07081. To leave a condolence email please go to www.rosschapels.com. Born in Bayonne, N.J. Zenith lived in Cranford, N.J., for 30 years and Elizabeth, N.J., for seven years before moving to Westfield, N.J., 26 years ago. She held a B.A. in education from Seton Hall University, a master's in English from New York University, and a master's in social studies from Kean University. In her youth, she had been a concert pianist who appeared at Carnegie Hall. She was also a school teacher, starting off her career in Bayonne, N.J., where she taught for 10 years before moving on to Irvington, N.J., where she taught for 35 years in grades K-12. She was a loving, outgoing, funny and caring individual who loved her family and was adored by them. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Steve); sons, Ted (Andrea) and Jeff Thaler; grandchildren, David, James, Rebecca, Laurie, Sarah, and five great-grandchildren.